Marlins' Rintaro Sasaki faces NPB, MLB decision after 2026 Draft
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 12, 2026, 8:27 PM
Last updated Jul 12, 2026
Rintaro Sasaki was drafted by the Miami Marlins in the eighth round of the 2026 MLB Draft. Sasaki, a former Stanford player, hit 16 home runs this season and holds Japan's all-time high school baseball home runs record. Following his selection, he must decide whether to sign with the Marlins or the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, who chose him in last year's NPB Draft. His next steps could significantly impact his career trajectory.
- •Sasaki was drafted with the No. 235 overall pick by the Marlins.
- •He recorded a.952 OPS during his season at Stanford.
- •Sasaki is a popular figure in Japan, with 86,000 Instagram followers.
- •He hit a 458-foot home run during the MLB Draft Combine.
- •His popularity places significant pressure on his next career decision.
- 8:27 PMYahoo Sports — Marlins' Rintaro Sasaki has huge MLB, NPB decision to make as all-time Japanese record holder
"He's got a familiar last name, and some incredible fam.
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